Every summer, the river running through Salida becomes the center of activity. The Arkansas river draws people from all over the country, looking for everything from calm scenic floats to adrenaline filled whitewater, but this year is different. The story of the river is being shaped by something much bigger: drought.
Low snowpack across Colorado has raised concerns about how the rafting season will unfold. According to Travis Hochard of River Runners, this year is already resembling past drought years like 2002 and 2012. In those seasons the river peaked around the end of May, then settled into lower flows through June and July. Hochard is expecting something similar this year. While that likely means less high water thrills, it doesn’t mean rafting will stop. “There will still be a lot of people who want to go rafting,” he explained, though companies may see a slight drop in overall business.
To adapt, rafting companies are already changing how they run trips. Instead of longer routes, outfitters are shifting to shorter stretches of river while still keeping the same length of time. For example, a Browns Canyon trip that would normally cover around 10 miles may now only span about 3 miles. This allows the rafts to move slower through lower waters. Companies are also expanding their offerings. Hochard noted that guests can expect to see more inflatable kayak tours and even new options such as the “Badfish Dinghy” a hybrid between a tube and a raft that paddlers control themselves. These changes show how outfitters are finding creative ways to keep people on the water, even when the conditions aren’t ideal.
Safety is another important factor when river levels drop. While it might seem like less water would make rafting more dangerous, Hochard says the opposite is often true. Lower flows generally reduce the overall intensity of rapids, making the river more beginner friendly. However, there are still risks. With less water, more rocks and obstacles are exposed, and this requires guides to be extra aware when navigating. Advanced sections like those found in the Royal Gorge can still be very serious challenges, regardless of the water levels.
For guides, low water creates a different kind of difficulty. Maneuvering rafters through shallow sections can be physically demanding, often requiring more effort to push and steer around rocks. To handle this, companies such as River Runners are adjusting their schedules, rotating guides through easier sections and shorting trip distance to reduce strain. These changes help protect guides while still keeping trips enjoyable.
Despite all of the challenges there are some unexpected benefits to a low water season. The river becomes calmer and more accessible, making it a great option for families or first time rafters who might feel intimidated during peak flows. Guests could even get more opportunities to swim, relax, and take in the scenery.
For Salida, rafting is more than just a summer activity but it’s a major part of the community’s identity and economy. While the drought may change what the season looks like, it hasn’t stopped the river from flowing or people from showing up.
